Pope Francis' Death: Papal Conclave Explained & The Next Pope
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a question arises: What ancient rituals and processes govern the selection of the next leader of the Catholic Church? The death of a pontiff, or even his resignation, sets in motion a complex series of events, a process steeped in tradition and shrouded in secrecy, designed to ensure the continuity of the papacy. It is a process that has remained remarkably consistent for centuries, a testament to the enduring strength of the Church.
The world watched with a mix of sorrow and anticipation on Monday, April 21, as news broke of Pope Francis's death at the age of 88. His passing marked the end of a pontificate that spanned over a decade, a pontificate marked by significant reforms and a strong focus on social justice. But with his death, the focus swiftly shifts to the future, to the selection of the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The method the church uses to elect its leader has stayed almost the same for 800 years. A new papal election known as the conclave is set to begin following Pope Francis' death.
| Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024 (Age 88) |
| Education | Master of Arts in Philosophy, Saint Joseph's Seminary, Buenos Aires |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 2013 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Pontificate | 2013 2024 |
| Previous Papacy | Benedict XVI |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, poverty, care for the environment, reform of the Vatican, and outreach to marginalized communities |
| Known For | His humility, his focus on mercy, his simplified papal lifestyle, and his efforts to build bridges with other faiths. |
| Reference | Vatican Official Website |
The process, known as the conclave, is a carefully choreographed event that typically begins between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death or resignation. This period is mandated by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued by Pope John Paul II in 1996, which fixed the start date of the papal conclave within this timeframe. If the Pope resigned instead of passing away, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013, the process begins soon after his resignation takes effect. In this case, the conclave is expected to gather between May 6 and May 11.
The conclave itself is held in the Sistine Chapel, the same chapel that has witnessed the election of popes for centuries. The selection of a new pope involves a series of secret ballots cast by the College of Cardinals, those members of the Catholic Church appointed by the Pope to assist him in governing the Church and who are under the age of 80. They gather from around the world to participate in this solemn duty. The process can take days, or even weeks, as the cardinals deliberate and vote. There can be up to four rounds per day. The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis took about 24 hours and five ballots, but the process can run longer; A conclave in the 13th century took about three years, while another in the 18th century took four months.
The process begins with the cardinals gathering in Rome. They swear an oath of secrecy, pledging to keep the details of the conclave confidential. They then enter the Sistine Chapel, where they will remain until a new pope is elected. The election process is governed by complex rules and procedures, with each stage designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and the free exercise of conscience by the electors.
The first step is typically a period of prayer and reflection, designed to prepare the cardinals for the serious responsibility before them. This is followed by a series of preliminary meetings to discuss the state of the Church and the qualities needed in a new pope. After the initial preparations, the voting commences.
Each cardinal casts a ballot, writing the name of his chosen candidate. These ballots are then collected and counted. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If no candidate receives the necessary votes in the initial rounds, the ballots are burned. The smoke from the burning ballots signals the progress of the election. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been chosen, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.
The color of the smoke is crucial. The smoke is created by burning the ballots, along with a special chemical compound to produce either black or white smoke. The world watches and waits, eagerly anticipating the appearance of white smoke, a visual signal that a new leader has been chosen. This is when the words "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope") will be announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
The 2013 papal conclave followed the first resignation of a pope in nearly 600 years, as Pope Benedict XVI stepped down citing health concerns. It was also one of the shortest conclaves in history. Voting only took two days to select the successor of Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned the same year. The 2005 conclave for his predecessor saw a similar process, though it took a bit longer. The 2013 conclave was initially expected to start sometime between March 15 and March 20, 2013. Cardinal Bergoglio, later Pope Francis, was elected on March 13, 2013 during the completion of the conclave process.
The announcement of the new pope is a moment of great significance for the Catholic Church and the world. The new pope then chooses a papal name, and is presented to the faithful. Soon, with a puff of smoke, the last absolute monarchy in Europe will get a new leader. Cardinals elected Pope Francis in 2013, in a historically short conclave following Pope Benedict's resignation. The conclave has remained virtually unchanged for the last 800 years and typically begins 15 to 20 days after the pope's death or resignation.
The selection of the next pope is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Catholic Church. It is a process steeped in tradition, yet constantly evolving to meet the challenges of the modern world. As the world waits for the white smoke, one thing is certain: the Church will continue, guided by a new leader, carrying forward its mission of faith and service.
The period leading up to the conclave is also filled with significant preparations. The Vatican, and the College of Cardinals, are tasked with managing the logistical and administrative details of the election. This includes making arrangements for the cardinals' accommodation, security, and communication. The Vatican also takes care of the funeral arrangements for the deceased pope. The funeral of Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church's most recent leader, will be a major event, drawing leaders and dignitaries from around the world. The funeral and conclave process ensures the Church's continuity.
In the days and weeks ahead, as the Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis and prepares for the election of his successor, many people around the world will continue to ask, what happens when a pope dies? Through the centuries, the Church has developed a clear protocol, ensuring that the transition of leadership is seamless and orderly. The ancient machinery of the papacy is now in motion, with the cardinals gathering to select the new pope. The conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope's passing or resignation. The world awaits the selection of the new pope, a new leader for the global Catholic community.
